Lelia Frances Hayles
May 11, 2021
Mrs. Lelia Frances Hayles, age 88, passed away on Monday, May 10, 2021 in Atmore, AL.
Mrs. Hayles was a lifelong residence of the Atmore area, but a native of Moyeville, AL. She was a master gardener, loved the outside working with her plants. Mrs. Hayles attended the Poarch Community Church. She is preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Ruby Burkett; seven siblings, Susie Mae Burkett Penton, Mose “Buddy” Burkett, Shefford “Shep” Burkett, Rochele Burkett, Charles Burkett, Joseph “Joe” Burkett and Dempsey “Demp” Burkett.
She is survived by her husband Edison Hayles of Poarch, AL; one son, Kimble N. Davis of Poarch, AL; one daughter, Gaye Davis King of Poarch, AL; two brothers, Robert Burkett and Arthur Burkett; five sisters, Reatha Burkett Emmons, Essie Burkett Amadeo, Mary Burkett Daniels, Edwina Burkett Calloway and Natasha Burkett Satterwhite; two grandchildren Jonathon Taylor and Justin Taylor of Fairhope, AL; four great- grandchildren, Jonathon Taylor Jr, Selby- Marie Taylor, Henry Taylor and William Taylor
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 3:00 PM at Petty -Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes LLC. with Chaplain Gabe Hallaway officiating.
Burial will follow at Enon Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 13, 2021 from 2:00 PM until service time at 3:00 PM at the Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes LLC.
Pallbearers will be John Lee Davis, Robbie Hayles, Jody Hayles, Justin Taylor, Jonathon Taylor Sr. and Jonathon Taylor Jr.
Council On Aging Senior Dining Sites To Reopen After More Than A Year
May 11, 2021
The Council on Aging of West Florida will soon reopen senior dining sites will reopen next week for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
The Council on Aging congregate meal program sites will reopen May 17 to elders 60 and over on Monday, May 17. The sites closed March 16, 2020. due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, meals have been available at these sites via a Monday through Friday grab-and-go platform, but now the locations will reopen to 100 percent occupancy so older adults can resume daytime activities.
For those who can and enjoy getting out for lunch, the Senior Dining Program is a neighborhood-based program which offers older citizens the opportunity to share their lunch with others their age. Hot nutritious balanced meals are served to active senior adults at several locations throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Meals are prepared fresh daily and contain one-third of the required daily allowance (RDA) for adults and comply with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs Guidelines. In addition, participants have an opportunity to join in arts and crafts projects, play games and socialize. Serving times and location hours vary by site.
The sites will open as of May 17 will be:
Century Senior Center
6025 Industrial Boulevard
Century, FL 32535
(850) 256-1012
Hours: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Serving Time: 11:00 AM
Monday through Friday
Chumuckla Community Center
2355 Highway 182 West, Chumuckla, FL 32566
(850) 994-8811
Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Serving Time: 11:00 AM
Monday through Friday
Jay Community Center
5259 Booker Lane, Jay, FL 32565
(850) 675-0810
Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Serving Time: 11:00 AM
Tuesday through Thursday
Bayview Senior Center
2000 E Lloyd St.
Pensacola, FL 32503
(850) 432-1475
Hours: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Serving Time: 11:30 AM
Monday through Friday
Cobb Center
601 E. Mallory
Pensacola, FL 32503
(850) 436-5192
Hours: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Serving Time: 11:00 AM
Monday through Friday
Westwood Homes
4400 Westover Ave.
Pensacola, FL 32506
(850) 292-9868
Hours: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Serving Time: 11:15 AM
Monday through Friday
Bagdad Community Center
6860 Pooley St., Bagdad, FL 32530
(850) 983-4500
Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Serving Time: 11:00 AM
Monday through Friday
Christ United Methodist Church
5983 Dogwood Street, Milton, FL 32570
(850) 983-4590
Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Serving Time: 11:00 AM
Monday through Friday
E.H. Pullum Senior Center
8476 Gordon Goodin Lane. Navarre, FL 32566
(850) 936-1644
Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Serving Time: 11:15 AM
Monday through Thursday Only
Missing from the list are the sites in Cantonment and Beulah.
Josh Newby, marketing director for the Council on Aging, said the Cantonment site needs building repairs, and the Beulah site is too small to allow for property social distancing.
he decision to reopen comes after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis lifted all coronavirus limitations based on emergency executive order, and local municipalities have followed suit. As vaccination rates continue to increase, COVID hospitalizations remain trending downward, and average infection age drops steadily, Council on Aging’s management and board have made the decision to allow seniors to recongregate.
“For decades, we have been preaching the importance of socialization and companionship for our community’s elderly,” said John B. Clark, Council on Aging president and CEO. “It’s good for your mind, your soul and your body. Of course, we had to reverse course during COVID as that physical safety became most pressing, but now we feel that our area is in a safe place to return these elders to a communal setting where they can support and enrich each other and grow together.”
Billie Aaron Judah
May 11, 2021
Billie Aaron Judah, age 73, a native of Bonifay, FL and resident of Cantonment, FL, passed away Sunday, May 9, 2021.
Billie was a Vietnam Veteran, employee of International Paper, and the owner of the bait and tackle shop on 10 Mile Road for the last 16 years. He was an avid fisherman, a wonderful cook who loved to have cookouts for his family and friends. He was first and foremost an amazing husband to his wife Barbara who he loved with all his heart.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lavon Judah and Mildred Warren Judah.
Billie is survived by his wife, Barbara Skinner Judah; sons, Brian Judah, Don Lawrence, Johnny Lawrence, and Joey Lawrence; daughters, Lisa Conley and Tammy Mabire; eight grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11AM, on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Rev. Ken Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at 10AM prior to services.
FDOH Reports One New COVID-19 Death, 21 Additional Cases In Escambia
May 11, 2021
THIS IS AN ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DATA.
On Monday, the Florida Department of Health reported one new COVID-19 death and 21 additional cases in Escambia County.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 36,212 (+21)
Non-Florida residents: 3,682
Recovered: 33,721*
Total deaths: 691 (+1)
Long-term care facility deaths: 286
Current hospitalizations: 34
Number of tests reported last day: 245
Percent positive reported last day: 7.9%
Percent positive reported last week: 5.8%
Escambia County cases by location*:
Pensacola: 27,143 (+19)
Cantonment: 3,248 (+2)
Century: 1,179
—-including 774 Century prison inmates
Molino: 494
McDavid: 212
Bellview: 58
Walnut Hill: 55
Perdido Key: 21
Gonzalez: 13
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 18,264 (+9)
Non-Florida residents: 252
Total deaths: 287
Long-term care facility deaths: 82
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 903*
Number of tests reported last day: 141
Percent positive reported last day: 4.7%
Santa Rosa County cases by location*:
Milton: 8,710 (+2)
Navarre: 3,770
Gulf Breeze: 3,364 (+2)
Pace: 1,488 (+2)
Jay: 554 (+2)
Bagdad: 32
Florida cases:
Total cases: 2,72,102
Florida residents: 2,229,567
Deaths: 35,783
Hospitalizations: 92,125
*“Hospitalizations” in the statewide and Santa Rosa County totals is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. Most of these people are longer be hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized. The Escambia County number is current data compiled each day from the local hospitals.
**On cases by location, the city is based upon zip code and is not always received as part of the initial notification. There may be a delay in reporting locations, and locations will not total the daily case increase as a result.
***The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals. Escambia County is reporting an approximate recovery number defined as the total cases prior to last month, minus deaths. In other words, anyone that tested positive more than a month ago is presumed to have recovered by Escambia County.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.
Here’s What Is Behind A Critical Gas Shortage
May 10, 2021
Gas stations in the Escambia County area are experiencing a critical gas shortage due to a variety of factors, but the biggest single reason in the shutdown of the distribution terminal that serves much of the area.
The recently reported cyber attack on the Colonial Pipeline is creating instability in the market. There’s is also a shortage of fuel truck drivers.
But the Escambia County area is experiencing major problems due to issues at the fuel terminal that serves the area, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
“FDACS was recently alerted to a potential disruption in the fuel supply impacting the Pensacola region,” Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said. “This specific disruption is due to a company servicing that area that is unable to meet EPA standards on federal gasoline requirements under the Clean Air Act, which must be met annually by May 1. Given the federal regulation of this issue, FDACS immediately contacted the EPA to ensure situational awareness and facilitate direct communication with industry operators. We continue to encourage the company to quickly resolve this issue and mitigate any impact on the community and residents.”
In addition, local operators tell NorthEscambia.com that panic buying is a problem, much like before an impending hurricane. And they say false social media rumors have made the situation worse.
Pictured: Drivers line up for gas Monday at the Speed Mart on Highway 29 at Tate School Road (above), the Circle K at Highway and East Kingsfield Road (below), and Murphy Oil at the Ensley Walmart (bottom). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jay’s Jillian Thornton Wins State 1A High Jump Title
May 10, 2021
Jay High School’s Jillian Thornton took first place in the state in high jump at the FHSAA 1A track and field meet in Jacksonville.
She came in at 5-foot, 1.75-inches to take state. The senior joins just two other Royals that were track and field state champions in the past three decades.
Teresa Dobson, a current Jay track coach, took first place in the 3200 meter run and set a new state and school record in 1991, and Crystal Creamer Kelly was state champion in shot put in 1998.
Thornton was coached by Caleb Copeland for Jay.
Also at the 1A meet last Friday, Jay’s Isaac Black placed eighth and Landry Cato placed 11th in pole vault.
Pictured top: Jay High School’s Jillian Thornton won the Florida 1A High Jump Championship Friday the University of North Florida Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville. Pictured below: Thornton with Jay coach Teresa Dobson, who won the 3200 meter state championship in 1991 and set a state record. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Aggravated Assault Against Son; Dad Says He Shot At A Squirrel
May 10, 2021
A Cantonment man was charged with one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill in an incident with his adult son.
William Jason Cook, 44, was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,000 bond.
The victim told Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies that he was in his room asleep with his girlfriend when Cook kicked his door open and screamed at him before going outside. The victim then heard a gunshot outside his window, according to an arrest report, before Cook began “wiggling his window air conditioner” and hitting the window.
The son told deputies that he was in fear for his life and believed his was going to be shot by Cook.
Arriving deputies found a loaded shotgun with seven shells in the woods and a spent shotgun shell in the front yard.
Cook told deputies he woke up and noticed his gate was damaged and believed that someone broke into his property. Cook said he went to his son’s room to alert him of the situation before going outside with his shotgun to investigate.
“William Jason Cook stated while he was in the front yard, he saw a squirrel and he shot his shotgun at the squirrel,” the arrest report states, before going deep into the woods to see if anyone was there. Cook stated that there was no argument with his son.
Deputies noted in their report that no one involved in the incident was under the influence at the time.
Tate High’s Logan Tyree Signs With UWF Soccer
May 10, 2021
Tate High School’s Logan Tyree has signed to play soccer for the University of West Florida.
Tyree was a four-year varsity starter for the Aggies. He played on the Gulf Coast Texans club team, as well as the Pensacola FC NPSL team.
Mom Watches Escambia Firefighter Son Save A Life During Mother’s Day Brunch
May 10, 2021
An Escambia County firefighter made his mom extra proud during Mother’s Day brunch Sunday.
“So it’s not everyday that a mom gets to watch one of her children save someone’s life,” Madeline Willis wrote in a social media post. “But that happened to me today. What an amazing Mother’s day!”
Willis is in Pensacola visiting with her son Jacob Hoskins, an Escambia County Fire Rescue firefighter assigned to the Ensley Fire Station.
They were at a McGuire’s for Mother’s Day brunch when a woman began to choke. Hoskins jumped into action, and saved the woman’s life.
“So saving people’s lives is something he does on a daily basis…but for me to observe this humble son of mine do his ‘job’ was an experience I’ll never forget,” Willis said. “So proud!”
Pictured: Madeline Willis (front left) watched her firefighter son Jacob Hoskins (middle right) save a choking victim during Mother’s Day lunch on Sunday. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely; Rain Chance Sticks Around Into Thursday
May 10, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 75. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 60. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 80.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.